Equity for Women in Science: Dismantling Systemic Barriers to Advancement

The gender gap in science and technology is narrowing, but at a unimpressive pace. Women are systematically denied the chief currencies of scientific credit: publications and citations. The rising tide of collaboration only exacerbates disparities, with women unlikely to land coveted leadership positions or gain access to global networks. To make their case, Cassidy R. Sugimoto and Vincent Larivière have conducted scientometric analyses using millions of published papers across disciplines. The findings are unequivocal: when published, men are positioned as key contributors and women are relegated to low-visibility technical roles. The intersecting disparities in labor, reward, and resources contribute to cumulative disadvantages for the advancement of women in science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The gender gap in science and technology is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been the subject of much debate and research in recent years. While progress has been made in closing the gap, women and men continue to be underrepresented in many scientific fields, including biology, physics, math, and engineering. In this essay, we will explore the gender gap in science and technology, its causes, and its implications for women and society as a whole.

The first large-scale empirical analysis of the gender gap in science was conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2015. The study, titled "Women in Science: Then and Now," found that women are significantly underrepresented in science and technology fields, with only 25% of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) faculty positions held by women. The study also found that women are less likely to receive funding for their research, are less likely to publish in high-impact journals, and are less likely to be promoted to leadership positions.

The gender gap in science and technology is caused by a variety of factors, including sexism, discrimination, and unconscious bias. Women are often perceived as less capable than men in scientific fields, and this can lead to fewer opportunities for them to advance their careers. Additionally, women may face barriers to entering and advancing in science, such as lack of access to education and training programs, gender-based discrimination in the workplace, and cultural norms that discourage women from pursuing careers in science.

The implications of the gender gap in science and technology are significant for women and society as a whole. Women who are underrepresented in science and technology fields are less likely to contribute to scientific advancements and innovation, which can have negative impacts on economic growth and development. Additionally, women who are excluded from scientific leadership positions are less likely to advocate for policies that promote gender equality and diversity in science and technology.

To address the gender gap in science and technology, there are a number of steps that can be taken. These include promoting gender equality and diversity in education and training programs, providing equal opportunities for women to advance in their careers, and addressing gender-based discrimination in the workplace. Governments and organizations can also invest in research and development programs that promote gender equality and diversity in science and technology.

In conclusion, the gender gap in science and technology is a complex and multifaceted issue that has significant implications for women and society as a whole. While progress has been made in closing the gap, there is still much work to be done to promote gender equality and diversity in science and technology. By addressing the causes of the gender gap and investing in programs that promote gender equality and diversity, we can create a more equitable and inclusive scientific community that benefits everyone.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674919297